Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack or appetizer that’s both elegant and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’re going to adore this Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe. I love this because it’s simple to prepare, yet it always impresses guests with its beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. When I first tried this, I was hooked on how the crispy, cheesy base combined with juicy pears and crunchy walnuts creates a symphony of textures and tastes you just don’t forget. Stick around—I’m going to walk you through every step so your crostini turn out just perfect.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create a dish that’s sophisticated yet totally doable at home. The key is using quality Parmigiano Reggiano and ripe pears to get that balance right.

• French baguette: Choose a fresh baguette with a crisp crust for the perfect base that holds up under the toppings.
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts best and crisps beautifully on the baking sheet—skip pre-grated for this one.
• Bartlett pears: They’re juicy and sweet, but firm enough to slice thinly without falling apart.
• Toasted walnuts: Adds crunch and earthiness—toast them yourself to bring out the flavor.
• Hot honey: Balances the savory and sweet with a gentle heat; if you don’t have it, mix honey with a pinch of chili flakes.
• Flaky sea salt: Just a sprinkle brightens all the flavors and adds that finishing touch.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to swap out ingredients or tweak toppings based on what you have or like.

• Cheese Swap: I’ve tried it with sharp cheddar or gruyere instead of parmesan, and it still tastes amazing—each cheese brings a new depth.
• Nut Alternatives: Pecans or almonds toasted work great if you want a slightly different crunch and flavor profile.
• Fruit Twist: Try sliced figs or apples instead of pears for a seasonal change; I love the earthy sweetness figs add.
• Heat Level: Adjust the hot honey drizzle to your liking—less for kids, more for those who like a kick!

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Cheese Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, using a microplane grater or the fine side of a box grater, grate the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese evenly in a layer directly onto the parchment. This trick creates that amazing crispy cheese crust underneath your crostini. Don’t crowd the cheese; give it room to crisp into little golden islands.

Step 2: Arrange the Baguette Slices

Lay your baguette slices diagonally on top of the grated cheese layer, making sure each slice is touching the cheese so it can crisp up nicely. The bread should be about ½ inch thick—thinner slices can get too crispy, thicker slices might stay soggy. This pairing of crispy cheese and sturdy bread is what makes this recipe stand out.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Pop the whole tray in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely after about 7 minutes because the cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt pretty quickly. Once the cheese edges are bubbling and golden and the bread feels crisp, take it out and let it cool just enough to handle.

Step 4: Flip and Top With Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey

Carefully flip each crostini over so the cheesy side is now the bottom. Top each piece with one or two thin slices of pear, a sprinkle of your toasted walnuts, a generous drizzle of hot honey, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. This salty-sweet-spicy combo is what makes the dish truly sing. Serve immediately for the best crunch and fresh flavors.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish off the crostini with a little extra drizzle of hot honey right before serving to kick up that sweet heat. A few fresh thyme leaves also add a lovely, subtle earthy aroma that pairs great with the pears, so sometimes I scatter those on top too.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or even a bowl of roasted tomato soup. I often serve it with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir, which brings out the richness of the cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange these crostini on a large wooden board layered with fresh greens or grape leaves to add color and texture. I’ve also used mini baguette slices for bite-sized versions perfect for cocktail parties. They’re eye-catching and a total conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often at my house!), store the crostini components separately. Keep the baked crostini in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day; store the pear slices and walnuts in the fridge. Assemble fresh before serving to preserve crunchiness.

Freezing

This isn’t a great candidate for freezing once assembled because the pears get soggy and honey changes texture. However, you can freeze the baked crostini and re-toast them later. Just cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then reheat in the oven to bring back crispness.

Reheating

To refresh leftover crostini, I pop them in a 350ºF oven for about 5 minutes—this revives that crispy cheese crust beautifully. Add toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey Recipe is one of those special dishes I turn to when I want something quick yet memorable. It’s so satisfying to bite into that crispy, cheesy base topped with sweet pear and spicy honey, and I love how simple it is to make it feel special for guests or a treat for myself. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a recipe you want to keep in your rotation for parties or anytime you crave a little sweet and savory magic in one bite.

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